With deal OK'd for Gayler, clock ticking for Manatee superintendent

Published: Monday, October 8, 2012 at 11:51 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, October 8, 2012 at 11:51 p.m.

MANATEE COUNTY - School Board members Monday night approved a contract for Interim Superintendent David Gayler and set the clock ticking for finding a permanent leader.

The former Charlotte County schools leader committed to run the troubled district only until the end of March, giving the district just six months to conduct what is expected to be a national search.

Board members unanimously approved his appointment despite concerns the search may not be concluded.

"We do run the risk of having a situation where our interim superintendent leaves and we don't have a superintendent on board at that point," said School Board Member Bob Gause.

Gayler was one of three retired superintendent recommended by Florida School Boards Association Executive Director Wayne Blanton.

Board members said they wanted an experienced interim leader with no ties to the district to reassure the public after former Superintendent Tim McGonegal resigned in the wake of accounting errors that left the district $3.4 million in arrears.

Gayler will be paid roughly the same salary as McGonegal, which will add up to about $16,300 per month including allowances for expenses and travel.

His contract also includes 12 days vacation and a 30-day notice period.

Board Vice Chairwoman Karen Carpenter said the deadline of Gayler's departure will focus the board on the leadership search.

"We have a lot of work to do in a relatively short period of time," Carpenter said. "We have to stay on task here and I think we will."

<p><em>MANATEE COUNTY</em> - School Board members Monday night approved a contract for Interim Superintendent David Gayler and set the clock ticking for finding a permanent leader.</p><p>The former Charlotte County schools leader committed to run the troubled district only until the end of March, giving the district just six months to conduct what is expected to be a national search.</p><p>Board members unanimously approved his appointment despite concerns the search may not be concluded.</p><p>"We do run the risk of having a situation where our interim superintendent leaves and we don't have a superintendent on board at that point," said School Board Member Bob Gause.</p><p>Gayler was one of three retired superintendent recommended by Florida School Boards Association Executive Director Wayne Blanton.</p><p>Board members said they wanted an experienced interim leader with no ties to the district to reassure the public after former Superintendent Tim McGonegal resigned in the wake of accounting errors that left the district $3.4 million in arrears.</p><p>Gayler will be paid roughly the same salary as McGonegal, which will add up to about $16,300 per month including allowances for expenses and travel.</p><p>His contract also includes 12 days vacation and a 30-day notice period.</p><p>Board Vice Chairwoman Karen Carpenter said the deadline of Gayler's departure will focus the board on the leadership search.</p><p>"We have a lot of work to do in a relatively short period of time," Carpenter said. "We have to stay on task here and I think we will."</p>